Introduction to the Integumentary System

Integumentary SystemIntegumentary System• Structures covering the body’s exterior surface

SkinSkin• Two Layers

o Epidermis: Replaced ≈ every 35 to 45 dayso Dermis: Ridges: Create a unique pattern of

finger, palm, and footprints; Facilitate the ability to grip and hold objects

• Subcutaneous tissue: Skin attached to muscle, bone; Connective tissue, fat cells

• Melanin gives the skin its color

QuestionQuestion

Is the following statement true or false?

The epidermis is replaced with new cells every 35 – 45 days. The next layer, the dermis, contains the ridges which comprise the fingerprints.

AnswerAnswer

False.

The epidermis contains the ridges which comprise the fingerprints.

Skin FunctionsSkin Functions

• Protection• Temperature Regulation

o Radiation; Conductiono Evaporation; Convection

• Sensory Processing • Chemical Synthesis

QuestionQuestion

Is the following statement true or false?

One of the primary functions of the skin is to protect the underlying structures.

AnswerAnswer

True.

One of the primary functions of the skin is to protect the underlying structures. Protection from pathogens and also from dehydration.

HairHair• Originates in hair follicle in dermis• Vellus hair; Terminal hair• Keratin + amino acids = hair• Scalp hair grows most rapidly• Hair growth slows by midlife• Decreased melanin production causes graying

hair

Sebaceous, Sweat Sebaceous, Sweat GlandsGlands

• Connected to each hair follicle• Secrete sebum (oily substance)• More active during puberty• Sweat Glands

o Eccrine glandso Apocrine glands

QuestionQuestion

Is the following statement true or false?

Apocrine glands secrete fluid during perspiration.

AnswerAnswer

True.

Apocrine glands secrete fluid during perspiration. They also secrete a substance in the external ear canals called cerumen. In animals, apocrine glands secrete pheromones.

Finger, ToenailsFinger, Toenails• Nails

o Hard keratin; Protective function; Nail rooto Abundant capillary blood supply; Lunula

Pressure Sore StagingPressure Sore Staging• Pressure Sore

Stagingo Stage I: Redness o Stage II: Blistering or skin

tearo Stage III: Shallow crater

with drainageo Stage IV: Deep ulcerated

tissue; Exposed muscle and bone; Sepsis

Integumentary Integumentary AssessmentsAssessments

• Scalp, Hair Assessmento Skin: Smooth; Intact; Free of lesions o Assess: Color, texture, and distributiono Abnormal findings: Nits or lice; Scales, flaking skin

• Nail Assessmento Check for normal structureo Assess: Change in shape or thickness; Color of nailbed; Capillary

refill time

Integumentary Integumentary Diagnostic TestsDiagnostic Tests

• Visual Inspection• Culture and Sensitivity Tests• Allergy Tests• Wood’s Light Examination• Potassium Hydroxide Test • Fungal Culture• Skin Biopsy

Medical, Surgical Treatment of Skin Disorders Medical, Surgical Treatment of Skin Disorders

• Drug Therapyo Corticosteroids; Antihistamineso Antibiotics; Antisepticso Scabicides; Pediculicideso Antiseborrheic agentso Keratolyticso Standard precautions in application of

topical medication over impaired skin

Medical, Surgical Treatment of Skin DisordersMedical, Surgical Treatment of Skin Disorders

• Wet Dressingso Cooling, soothing effecto Sterile procedure for broken skino Dry gauze placed on area is saturated with

prescribed solutiono Dressing anchoredo Left in place until dry as a method of

debridement

Medical, Surgical Treatment of Skin DisordersMedical, Surgical Treatment of Skin Disorders

• Therapeutic Bathso No soaps; Warm watero Gentle application of solution to submerged

partso Inflammation and itching reliefo Aid in removal of crusts and scales o Products used: Oatmeal; Cornstarch; Baking

soda; Mineral oil

Medical, Surgical Treatment of Skin DisordersMedical, Surgical Treatment of Skin Disorders

• Surgical Excisiono Laser therapy

• Acronym for LASER• Precautions

o Cryosurgeryo Electrodessication

• Radiation Therapy: Treatment of malignant skin lesions

Medical, Surgical Treatment of Skin DisordersMedical, Surgical Treatment of Skin Disorders

• Photochemotherapy o Combination of psoralen methoxsalen and

ultraviolet A light• Lifestyle Changes

o Tiredness or emotional stress aggravates condition

o Rest, sleep, and diet are important factors in treatment

End of Presentation